JSE Celebrates a Decade of Promoting Gender Equality

• Johannesburg Stock Exchange marks 10 years of its gender equality initiative
• Leila Fourie emphasizes ongoing commitment towards onging women’s inclusion
• Ringing the Bell ceremony signals renewed push for gender parity and inclusive growth

In a symbolic celebration, Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) opened markets with annual bell-ringing ceremony in promoting gender equality. The event marked a decade of the Motsepe Foundation’s “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality” initiative.

As a milestone celebration, the event underscored continued efforts on enhancing and strengthening inclusion by accelerating meaningful participation of women across diverse industries and varied economic landscapes.

Leila Fourie, JSE’s former CEO addressed the gathering highlighting strides made in promoting gender equality so far. She emphasized that the ongoing commitment to accelerate further progress is critical for development. "Today we proudly marked the 10-year anniversary of the Motsepe Foundation Ring the Bell for Gender Equality, celebrating the progress made, and the work still to be done in advancing gender equality," she declared, her voice echoing the sentiments of many present.”

She also pointed at the imperative and non-negotiable role of institutions, enterprises and markets in creating pathways for inclusion and promoting balanced participation of women across sectors. "Thank you to the Motsepe Foundation and all partners who continue to champion this important cause," she stated, stressing upon the need for future collaborations.

The Ringing the Bell has become a ceremonial symbol of celebration of past milestones with renewed investment making gender equality a norm. It also serves as a reminder of the collective accountability to strengthen women’s role upgrading the participation quotient for empowerment at every level of society.